Thompson and Son Funeral Home - Tuscumbia Obituaries

Obituary Preview: Rosa Nell Jones Smith departed this life on earth and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Rosa simply said, “The Lord is ready for me.” Rosa had boldly and bravely fought and defeated many obstacles and battles in the last six months.Rosa was the third (middle) child born to Odell C. Jones, Sr. and Rosa Lee Pittman Jones. She was born in Sheffield, Alabama. Rosa was raised in a household where Christian values were instilled. She was a 1954 graduate of Sterling High School. Other educational endeavors include clerk and children’s daycare certifications.Rosa was a child of the Most High God. She traveled near and far to attend church and worship her Savior. She was an active and proud member of Brown Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Sheffield, Alabama. She served as a Stewardess and a member of the Rosa Lee Jones Circle, as well as other capacities as needed. Throughout her life, she was employed in various capacities, including G.E. Lingerie, Office Assistant and Extended Day Program for Muscle Shoals City Schools, and Shoals Area COARMM. Because of her love for children, she ultimately opened, owned, and operated Smith’s Day Care for several years. She and her husband imparted much love and care to many children in and around theShoals area. Rosa married the love of her life, Macena “Mac” Smith, and was married for nearly 50 years. To this union, three children were born: Debra, Curtis, and Carlotta.Rosa leaves a beautiful legacy to be remembered by her family and anyone who knew her. To know her was to love her. She was a lady with a sweet spirit, but was also known as a firecracker. Her family was the pride and joy of her life. She also leaves a legacy of loving beautiful flowers (especially purple) and keeping a clean house. She loved chatting with her siblings daily.Rosa leaves to cherish her memories and continue her legacy two daughters: Debra James of Amory, MS and Carlotta Smith of Killen, AL; six grandchildren: Tamara Smith (daughter) of Decatur, AL; Amber James of Amory, MS; Martelli Smith of Sacramento, CA; Chantel Nunnery of Tuscumbia, AL; Dominique Moore of Tuscumbia, AL; and Nya Moore of Sheffield, AL, and three great-grandchildren: Ramone Smith of Florence, Alabama; Zaelyn Reeder of Tuscumbia, AL; Braelyn Graves of Tuscumbia, AL; and Zoie Reeder of Tuscumbia, AL. She also leaves two sisters: Inez McLean of Tuscumbia, AL and Dorothy Taylor of Los Angeles, CA; one brother: Odell C. Jones, Jr. (Mozella) of Memphis, TN; Sister-in-law: Helen Walker (Collins) of Akron, OH. Her legacy will also be extended through numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, and family at the Muscle Shoals Senior Living Center.Meeting her at the throne are her husband “Mac”, parents Rev. Odell and Rosa Jones, Jr., sister Shirley Horton, son Curtis Smith, and great-granddaughter Victoria Camille Smith. To God be the glory.

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Obituary Preview: C.W. Newsome, son of the late Clyde William and Annie Mae (Armstead) Newsome, was born on April 7, 1934, in Colbert County, Barton, Alabama.He graduated from Cherokee High School and served in the U. S. Army. He went on to work for Reynolds Metal Company for over 40 years.He became a Christian at an early age and a member of Zion #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Barton, AL. After marriage, he finally settled in Muscle Shoals, AL and became a member of High Street Church of Christ in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; three brothers, Marble, Jett, and Charles Newsome; and five sisters, GertrudeLoveless, Ruby Ricks, Rose Holiday, Ethel Goodloe, and Janie Lorean Thompson. He leaves to cherish his memory--a wonderful and loving wife of 68 years, Gladys Marie Triplett Newsome; three sons, Ronald (Jaye)Newsome of Leighton, AL; Randall Caron Newsome of Muscle Shoals, AL; and Byron Marc (Holly) Newsome of Santa Clarita, CA; sisters-in-law, Isabelle Newsome, Julia Newsome, Mary Denton, Gwendolyn (William) Jones, and Bonnie Horrison Triplett Garner; brothers-in-law, Jack Holiday and James Holiday; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Obituary Preview: On Thursday, March 14, 2024, Stacy Denise Bailey Scott, was released from her illness, guided by the Angels of Mercy into eternal rest. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the St. John's Hospital (Maplewood, Minnesota).Stacy was born March 16, 1974, to Dorothy A. Bailey and reared in Leighton, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewayne Scott, grandparents Joe and Mizella Bailey, Sr., two uncles Clinton Bailey and Charles Bailey and cousin, Christoper Pierre Bailey.Stacy accepted Christ at an early age and joined Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. She was a 1993 graduate of Colbert County High School. Later in life she relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she resided for over 25 years. She was a quiet, devoted, caring person, and faithfully loved showing her family and friends love. She was truly a blessing to anyone she met.She leaves to mourn and cherish her sweet memory: Her mother: Dorothy A. Bailey (Leighton, AL); one brother, Jason Bailey (Leighton, AL); two sisters: Tracy Bailey (Muscle Shoals, AL) and Brittany Bailey (Harvest, AL); Goddaughter/grandchild, Danaisha Motley (St. Paul MN), and one adorable niece, Ryleigh Mullins.Three Aunts: Helen J. Bailey (Leighton, AL), Sandra (Derek) Aycock (Tuscumbia, AL), Ethel Kate Bailey (Hunstville, AL). Four Uncles: James (Phyllis) Bailey (Decatur, AL), Joe Bailey, Jr and Deterian ‘Terry’ Bailey (Leighton, AL), and Quinton ‘Bubba’ Bailey (Tuscumbia, AL).Five great uncles: Curtis Golston, Sr. (Cleveland, OH), James (Norma) Stover (Chicago, IL), Bobby Ray Stover (Waukegan, IL), Franke ‘Leon’ Stanley (Leighton, AL) and Percy Stover (Florence, AL). Three great aunts: Clementine Barrett and Betty Miller (Cleveland, OH, Betty Byrd (Waukegan, IL).

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Obituary Preview: Mary Virginia Fuqua was born March 16, 1938 to the late Leonard and Nora Malone Montgomery in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She passed away peacefully, February 16th, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and a special friend in order to return to thearms of her loving God. She gave her life to God as a young girl at First Missionary Baptist Church and maintained her faith throughout her life.Mary grew up in Tuscumbia and was the youngest, and only surviving sibling, of thirteen brothers and sisters. She graduated from Trenholm High School.She was married to Mr. Edd Henry Fuqua, Sr. with who she brought five children into the world. The late Mr. Edd Henry Fuqua Jr and the late Ms. Anita Diane Fuqua. Her surviving children are daughters Dr. Patricia “Pat” Sanders (Lintord), Ms. Gwendolyn Jones, son, Mr. Keith Fuqua and a special granddaughter whom she raised, Ms. Christy Fuqua.Mary and Edd worked together to build a home and to raise a family in the country in Tuscumbia, a place they loved. They remained there for the entirety of their 59 years of marriage. They were known as “two-peas-in-a-pod,” as you never saw one without the other, and they were the love of each other’s lives. She never got over his passing in 2016, often saying, “I sure do miss Edd.” She showed resolute strength when she had to bury her two oldest children, whom she never forgot.Mary and Edd loved their grandchildren: Amhad Freeman, Christopher Freeman, Erica Sanders Butler (Mason), Patrick Sanders, Justin Jones, Jirehn Jones, Chealsea Fuqua, Chasity Fuqua and Keshanna Fuqua and their great grands: Destyni Goode, Jabralyn, Talon and Jordyn Jones, Carmen, Christopher, and Julien Freeman, and Ailani Randolph.They enjoyed fishing, growing gardens, visiting family and friends, church functions with First Missionary Baptist Church, tooling around town, traveling late in life and the Trenholm High School Reunion events. Mary worked for and later retired from the Colbert County Health Department as a home healthcare worker where she loved taking care of her clients. She also helped care for several of her ailing sisters and late family members with a passion.Mary was known for her quiet, non-assuming spirit and sweet smile. Her family knew her for her tasty and wonderfully made home-cooked meals, especially her chicken and dressing, potato salad and homemade sweet tea and lemonade.Mama, Granny, Grandma and Aunt Nene and Auntie, as she was known, will be sorely missed.

Obituary Preview: Nathaniel Burt was born January 2, 1949 in Sheffield, AL. He departed this earth on February 12, 2024 in Muscle Shoals, AL. He was the son of the late Dorothy Burt and the late James Burt. He was preceded in death by siblings James Burt, Jr., Linda Joyce Burt, and Lisa Sanders.He attended Sterling High school in Sheffield, AL and later relocated to Akron, OH.He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad where he worked for 35 years in Sheffield and Memphis.He was a special person with a special personality who enjoyed fun and laughter with anyone he met. He loved football and spent many nights and days under the lights cheering for his favorite teams. He spent his retirement days fishing. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining at home with those invited or just stopping by. He was always happy to join in family games and loved playing card games with special friends. He will always be remembered for his funny thoughts and daily deeds, but most of all his heart warming love for family and friends.He leaves behind his devoted wife, Deloris Ann Burt and four daughters Natalie Burt, Devetta Burt-Johnson, Mya Burt, and Madison Waddell (Dwight) to cherish his memories; siblings Jonell Jones, Lucile Key (Sammie), Michael Burt, Debbie Abbott, and Vicki Burt.He was a fun loving grandfather to eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was loved and will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, special railroad buddies, and other friends.

Obituary Preview: Melanie Dawn Loyd-Brown was born on May 21,1966 to the late Annie Mabel Loyd and Emmitt Loyd in Sheffield, Alabama. She transitioned to her eternal rest on February 5, 2024. She was preceded in death by a sister, Christy Ann Cole.Guided by her mother and the grace of God, Melanie received her Christian foundation and was baptized at the Mount Carmel M.B. Church, where she remained a lifelong member. Her faith, love of God’s Word, and love for her church family remained steadfast throughout her life.She graduated from Deshler High School in 1984 and entered military service in the United States Army.She leaves to cherish her memory: a son, Clyde Hightower II, Muscle Shoals, AL; siblings, Stephanie D. Cole-Marshall, Augusta, GA, Stephen Cole, East St. Louis, IL, Renita Cole Gholston, Muscle Shoals, AL, and Kevin Andrew (Patricia) Cole, Sr., Florence, AL; aunts, Nancy Darby and Elizabeth Mullins, Tuscumbia, AL; special cousins, Paulette Mullins and Juanita (Milvester) Scarbrough, Tuscumbia, AL; most devoted friend, Deloris “Lolo” Bates, a friend who loved at all times (Proverbs 17:17) and who stuck closer than a sister or brother (Proverbs 18:24); and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Obituary Preview: Debra Jean Goodloe Johnson was born on January 14, 1958, to the late Omar Gene Goodloe and Carolyn Thompson Goodloe of Cherokee, Alabama. Debra closed her eyes on this earth and received her Heavenly reward on December 22, 2023, at Select Specialty Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.Debra accepted Christ at an early age. She was a graduate of Cherokee Vocational High School. During high school, she was a cheerleader and a runner-up to Ms. CVHS. Later, Debra was a Den Mother for her son, Michal Scott’s Boy Scout Troop. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She retired from Bank Independent.Debra was loved by all she met. She gave the best advice and never chose sides. Debra truly had a heart of gold. Preceding Debra in eternal rest were her father; son, Percy Leon Johnson; and brother, Derrick Goodloe.She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Percy Johnson; three sons, Michael Scott (Jennifer) Goodloe of Cherokee, AL, Jamey (Carsen) Johnson of Florence, AL, and Michael Lamar Johnson of Clarksville, TN; seven grandchildren, Eugenia (Ian) Rucker, Ci’lah Stewart, MyKel Goodloe, Micah Stewart, Jayden Goodloe, Hazel Johnson, and Leilani Johnson; four great-grandchildren; mother, Carolyn Thompson Goodloe; four sisters, Joyce Goodloe (late Ray) Chatman of Florence, AL, Freda Goodloe, Bridgette Goodloe, and Beryl (late Cameron) Goodloe, all of Cherokee, AL; one brother, Daron Scott Goodloe of Muscle Shoals, AL; special niece, Jori Chatman; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Obituary Preview: Genith Smith (Aunt Genny) was born January 3, 1925 tothe late Elbert and Gertrude Warren Davis.accepted Christ at an early age thru the teachings of mother and family.She worked as an elevator operator at the University ofMichigan for several years. She was a housekeeper and worked as a childcare provider, but her heart was a seamstress. She made clothes for herself as well as for others. Her specialty were quilts. She would hand stitch quilt tops and she sold hundreds of them. She has beautiful spirit and was kind to everyone she meet. Her motto by was “Do unto others as you have them do unto you”.She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Willie W. Smith, her daughter, Jennifer Genith Smith,three brothers, Robert L. Davis, Willie B. Davis and Charles L. Davis, one brother-in law, Frank Williams, two sister-in laws, Agnes Davis and Ida Pearl Davis. She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Timothy Smith (Samatha) of Muscle Shoals, AL, one granddaughter, Pricsilla (Ray) Parrish, two great granddaughters, one great grandsons all of Florence, AL, one sister, Dorothy William, one sister-in law, Bettye Davis both of Ann Arbor, MI and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends,

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Cleopatra Vinson Brooks was born on March 1, 1936 to Reverend Timothy Vinson Sr. and Sallie Mae Little in Colbert County Alabama.Cleo was the youngest female child born to Rev. and Mrs. Timothy Vinson Sr.Cleopatra finished High and attended Alabama A&M College and received her bachelor’s degree in education.Cleopatra met Berkley L Brooks & the two became One.Cleopatra and Berkley were blessed with birth of a son, Reginald Brooks, their only child.The three of them were always enjoying themselves spending time together in church and church activities and family fun.Cleopatra retired from the Lawrence County Educational System after 25years of dedicated service.Cleopatra was preceded in death by her parents Reverend Timothy Vinson Sr and Sallie Mae Little Vinson; her siblings Thomas Edison Vinson, Nathaniel Vinson, Sr., John Vinson, Matilda Vinson King, Ausber Vinson, Gertha Lee Vinson Whiteside, Annie Lee Vinson Torian and Margaret Vinson Freeman.She leaves to cherish her memory, Berkeley Brooks her husband Reginald Brooks her son and Timothy Vinson Jr. brother. Sister in Laws; Elizabeth Rice, Eloise Halliburton, Deborah Harris, Drucilla Jackson, and Linda Mathew’s Mizell. Brothers- in-law; James Jackson and Dennis Jackson. A host of over 25 nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephew, other relative and friends.

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Obituary Preview: William Louis Brown, affectionately known as “W.L.” or “Dub”, was born on September 7, 1934, in Tuscumbia, Alabama,to the late Julia Peoples. He was baptized at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church at a young age and remained a faithful member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Tuscumbia, Alabama, until he became seriously ill. He was unable to attend, but he would have church with thecongregation on Facebook.William graduated from Trenholm High School with the class of 1954. Following graduation, he worked at Robbins Tire and Rubber Company of Tuscumbia, Alabama. After devoting many years at Robbins, he ventured on to Reynolds Metal Company (Alloys) in Sheffield, Alabama, until his retirement.William was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Geraldine Brown; son, Antonius Brown; brothers, Alec and Clarence Smith; and sisters, Ollie Mae McBride, Hattie Mullins, and Dora Marshall.He leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters, Julia Jennifer Brown of Bessemer, Alabama and Debra (Diane) Thomas, Chicago, Illinois; one grandson, Bradley Thomas of Chicago, Illinois; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; a devoted friend, Mary C. Stevens; brothers-in-law; Jake Pillar and Frederick (Margaret) Williams. and a host cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Obituary Preview: Michelle Lee Goodwin was born July 26, 1975.She made her transition from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at North Alabama Medical Center.She was a member at Emmanuel Christian Center Church lead by Bishop Lonnie in Leighton, Alabama.She preceded in death by her father, Leon Bates, grandmother, Pattie King, sister, Tammy Willis, brothers, Curtis Goodwin and Richard Edwards. Michelle leaves to cherish her memories: parents, Leslie and Deborah Abernathy of Muscle Shoals, AL, three sisters, Debbie Goodwin of Sheffield, AL, Malik Smith and Victoria Goodwin both of Muscle Shoals, AL, two brothers, Rico (Greta) Goodwin of Leighton, AL, Dwight (Marie) Hankins of Lewisburg, TN, seven aunts, Ruby Lewis, Alicia Abernathy, Amanda Ricks, EndiaGoodwin, Mandy (Richard) Hampton, Mary Anderson and Marilyn (Chris) Morgan all of Leighton, AL, six uncles, Joseph (Cornell) Goodwin, Kennedy Goodwin, Harold Goodwin, Jerry Harding, Consee (Alene) Bates all of Leighton, AL, Finis, Jr.(Clita) Bates of Tuscumbia, AL and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Obituary Preview: The God ordained steps for Curtis Lionel Smith ended on this side of glory on Monday October 23,2023 at Cypress Cove Nursing Facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.He passed away peacefully leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and cherished memories.Curtis was born on September 13, 1955, to John Macena and Rosa Nell Smith in Sheffield, Alabama. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age and became a member of Brown Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.He attended Sheffield High School and was a member of the class of 1973. He continued his education in the Los Angeles, California area. In 1974, Curtis joined the United States Army where he faithfully served his country. He was honorably discharged in May of 1981.He will be fondly remembered by his only son, Martelli D. Smith of Sacramento, CA; three loving daughters, Chantel Nunery, Tuscumbia, AL, Dominique Moore, Tuscumbia, AL, Nya Moore, Sheffield, AL; three beautiful grandchildren, Zaelyn Reeder, Braelyn Graves, and Zoie Reeder. He also leaves his memory to his loving mother, Rosa Nell Smith, Muscle Shoals, AL; two sisters, Debra James, Amory, MS; Carlotta Smith, Killen, AL; In addition to loving nieces, Tamara Smith, Decatur, AL; Amber James, Amory, MS and a special nephew Ramone Smith, Florence, AL and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.He was preceded in death by his father John Macena Smith, grandparents Reverend Odell and Rosa Lee Jones, Mack Smith, Maggie Davidson, and special niece, Victoria “Camille "Smith.Rest in peace Curtis. You fought a good fight. You will Forever shine brightly in all of our hearts.

Obituary Preview: On November 12, 1933, a baby boy was born to Willie Clay and Annie Lee White Brown, he was their first male child, indeed an Alpha Male!At four years old he was finally allowed to go to school and apparently, he loved it! However, on his first day when his mother sat him down to help him with his homework he said “Mother, I don’t need any help! I know everything!” and the Alpha trait was born. Throughout his life he exhibited the traits of an Alpha Male/Man. He was a born leader, albeit the second child he was the one they looked up to and followed. He was after all the Alpha Male of the children of the family. Make no mistake, Willie Clay Brown was the Alpha Male, Head of the Family. Lelton or L.C. as he became fondly called, continued his Alpha Quest as he quickly mastered the education game, graduating from High School at the age of 16. He entered Alabama A&M on a football scholarship at what now seems to be a tender age for college and for sure college football, but he was young and tough and for those who have ever shaken hands with him, you know he had the hands to prove it.While at A&M he “crossed the burning sands” pledging the House of Alpha, Delta Gamma Chapter. The characteristics of the Men of Alpha are very similar to what are considered the traits of the Alpha Male traits. An Alpha male is typically defined as a man who takes the lead in most situations and possesses a high level of self-respect. He is often confident and assertive and self-assured. It would seem they wrote this definition after meeting Lelton.He excelled at every level and rose to meet his challenges, a poor black boy from the Landersville community outside of Moulton, Alabama. A community so small and close-knit that he said he had to come over to the Shoals area to find a girlfriend who wasn’t his cousin! When he found her, they married and were inseparable until now for more than sixty-six years. He met Alyce Doss, and they built a life together! He, after graduating from Alabama A&M with a B.S. degree in History and Science, taught school for 46 years after stopping along the way to go to Tennessee State College (now University) to obtain a Master of Science in Biology and Education and later attending the University of North Alabama to obtain an Educational Specialist Degree and courses that put him in a position to receive a doctoral degree. When he was asked why he didn’t go on to get is Doctorate after getting that close, he said “I don’t need it, I already know everything they could teach me and I don’t want to waste the time when I know more than most of the instructors”. Yes, he really said that, even fifty years after he first told his mother that he “knew everything”. He really was an “Alpha Man”.When the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was introduced to UNA and a graduate chapter was formed, surely you can guess that L.C. would be one of the founding members. He joined the Kappa Nu Lamba Chapter of Alpha Phi Aplpha and remained an active member until his death. In fact, he was planning to attend the upcoming Black-Out in November and had “informed” the entire family that they were all going! He was a proud Alpha Man and he loved Alpha Phi Alpha so much that his family lovingly referred to him as “Mr. Alpha”. He looked forward to every Alpha Event, especially the Alpha Ball and Banquet and was in secret competition with the other brothers to sell the most tickets and have the most guests in attendance! And yes, he was already making plans for the next April event. Though it seems he only had time for Alpha, in fact, because he was a true “Alpha Man” he made time for other avenues of service and fulfillment in his life. He had become a member of the household of faith at an early age and was baptized a “Baptist” at Landersville Baptist Church. But remember that Doss girl he married, her father was a CME preacher who happened to be his mother’s pastor at one time! So, after their marriage, he attended Lesley Temple CME Church on a full-time basis. When his older daughter, Ouida joined the church, he determined that it made no send to attend and work and serve in one church while you had membership in another and so his absolute commitment to Methodism the CME way was born, and he united with the fellowship of Christ and joined Lesley Temple in 1968. He never looked back and his second title after “Mansel Long, Sr and Arthur D. Graves, became “Mr. Lesley Temple”. He served faithfully until his death as a Steward, a Trustee and a Treasurer-he will be sorely missed! In the spirit of all great “Alpha Men” he believed in “public and civil service”. He was a member of the ADC, the NAACP, and for 35 years he served on the Civil Service Board of the City of Tuscumbia. In that capacity, he was instrumental in recruiting and hiring young blacks to come and work for the “City of Tuscumbia” whenever there were job openings and in anticipation of openings he talked to and encouraged young people to “get their act together” so they would be available and eligible to apply and be hired in the position that came available. He was successful in his quest to hire more blacks in the City of Tuscumbia. He believed in the power of the vote and encouraged and actively engaged in voter registration and activities to “Get Out The Vote”! He voted in every election regardless of the level of voting because he believed that not only did every vote count, but the person who cast that vote mattered and deserved good and fair representation at every governmental level. If you knew him-he would say to you now-make plans to go and vote in the next election! For all of his life as an educator, “Mr. Brown” taught in the Lawrence County School System. He began his career as a teacher in the segregated system and his first teaching position was at the all black Moulton High , where many of the student were older than he was. He was not intimidated, after all, he was an Alpha Man! When the system was integrated, and Moulton was closed, he began his career at Hazelwood High School as one of the first “black” teachers, he was undaunted! As many of his students could “attest”, he was more likely to be the formidable intimidator with his ever present references to “going behind the Green Door”! If you were a student of “Mr. Brown’s “, you never wanted to “know or go behind the green door” and yet his students to a person, “Loved Mr. Brown! He taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics and once to his dismay, 7th grade Science. (He thought 7th graders were too young because he was used to juniors and seniors! who didn’t cry when he told them “I will get those hams”, only sometimes after he got them!)L.C. also coached basketball, baseball, and football during his educational sojourn. After moving to Hazelwood, he transitioned to only academic subjects. He of course never lost interest in sports, and he was the teams’ greatest supporter and fan! Mr. Brown sponsored and rode the “fan” buses to all the away games and especially the championship playoffs and finals games. He had to make time for the games at those times when he was not officiating the games himself! He was a very proud member of the AHSAA, of officials. He was an official for both basketball and football and was considered an outstanding official for both sports for 47 years, receiving numerous commendations for his excellent service and performance in that role. He was so proficient in this role that the association for Professional Football Officials contacted him and insisted he take the test to join the ranks of professional referees. He passed the test with one of the highest percentiles. Although he passed the written tests with flying colors, remember “he knew everything”, other requirements for the NFL officials lead him to the decision to forego the process since he was already sixty years old when he was asked to make application! Lelton, as his wife Alyce fondly called him, excelled as a husband and father also! (Despite the fact that he finally found out that although he “knew everything”, he really didn’t know much about babies!) If you knew him, you had to know that he had “large hands” and they were extremely STRONG! Because of this fact, he believed that he would “break” a baby, they were too small for him to pick up and hold! Alyce quickly disavowed him of that notion and taught him how to pick up, hold, feed and most importantly, change the baby! Maybe, he surmised, “I really do know everything, now!” L.C. as he was known to friends and business associates was best known at home as “Daddy”. Nothing thrilled him more than to have his children call him “daddy” and later in life his grandchildren call him “Paw-Paw Brown”! Although he only had three (3) biological children, he was a father and daddy to many, many more! Phanell, Ouida an Kim shared him with numerous “sisters and brothers” in love who he claimed as his “daughters” or “sons”. They sought his attention, advice and love and he gave to each one what they asked with patience, love and pride! Nothing pleased him more than to have family around him and so at every holiday, when possible, he would fire up the grill or have Sunday Dinners or even take the family out to eat days, I’m sure the restaurants “loved and hated” to see them coming! Together, Alyce and Lelton nurtured and loved extended daughters beginning with Andre’, who was their niece! Andre’ “decided” to come and live with them when their youngest daughter Kim was born. According to her, she was going to take of “Kim”-of course she was only 14, so this would prove to be an interesting “care-giving” situation, but it was a loving and joyful one which gave Ouida and Kim their first “sister-in-love”! There were many to follow both in house, and some didn’t actually live in the home, but all were welcome, all were loved, and all made the family stronger and more loving and brought “Daddy” extreme Joy! Lelton had learned about being family from his mother and father Willie and Annie Brown, who preceded him in death. He was the second of seven children, and they had a close-knit family unit, and each child was special, but they claim without malice, that “Lelton was always his mother’s favorite!” Evidence seems to support that claim, but it also shows that this special status also equipped him to be the “Alpha Man” of the children leading them into being good sons and daughters and brothers and sisters to each other. That same status allowed him to open his heart to include others in his life and family with or without a blood relation! He learned to love family! And so, a real “Alpha Man” emerged in the person of Lelton Clay Brown. He loved the Lord. He loved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and he loved his family unequivocally and resolutely!His cherished being and loving memories will remain a part of his partner in life and love for more than 66 years, Alyce Doss Brown, his son, Willie Phanell (Kim) Pride – Russellville; daughters: Ouida Brown-Tuscumbia and Kimberly Brown Cole – Muscle Shoals; Grandchildren: PJ and Thomas Pride; Angelique and Adia Rhodes – Alexandria, VA; Sisters: Mattie Phillips – Muscle Shoals; Fannie Freeman – Tuscumbia; Delores(James) Johnson -Tuscumbia-; Brother: Lynn(Geneva) Brown – Lexington, TN; Sisters -In-Law: Royace Brown – Tuscumbia and Mary Brown – Huntsville, AL; Daughters in Love: Doris Foster, Angie Eatmon, Gloria Coman, Connie Jackson, Aretha Hogan and Joya Hardaman. Very Special Nieces: Michelle Simmons, Elaine Jones and Gail Williams. A host of Bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Lelton was predeceased by: Sister – Annie Phillips; Brothers – Rather And Willie Frank Brown and Daughter in Love – Andre’ Rhodes. The Alpha Man born as Lelton Clay Brown has received his Omega from the Alpha Almighty!

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Obituary Preview: Cecelia Ford Neloms was born January 2, 1945, to the late Jimmy and Alene Ford.Cecelia in her youth joined St. James M. B. Church, where she was a member of the Finance Committee and Matrons Ministry. In later years, she joined Mt. New Home M. B. Church.She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald E. Neloms; parents; two brothers, Charles Curtis and Edward Lee Ford; and one sister, Ruthie Robinson.She leaves to cherish her memories: her one son, Donald O. (Brenda) Neloms; one daughter, Jacqueline D. Neloms; five sisters, Willie (Tracy) Hogan of Leighton, Edna (Percy) Bowens of Killen, Mollie (Brenton) Mitchell of Killen, Sharon Ford of Athens, and Carolyn Ford-Athens; four brothers, Billy (Doris) Ford of Muscle Shoals, Wayne (LaRita) Ford of Decatur, Venard Ford of Decatur, and Davie Ford of Leighton; three grandchildren, Ji’Goldman Neloms, Ji’Bria Neloms of Tuscumbia, and LaTerra (Andrew) Jolley of Virgina Beach, VA; sister-in-law, Doris (Roy) Caine of Temple Hills, MD; brothers-in-law, Leon Neloms of Altadena, CA, and Tony (Kim) Neloms of Tanner, AL; great-grandchildren, Mackson Neloms, of Tuscumbia, Ana, Ava, Aniyah, and Amari Jolley of Virginia Beach, VA; special friends, Mary Wade, Ivanell Weaver, and Minnie Ruth Bates; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Obituary Preview: David Winston, Jr., was born on February 17, 1942, to David Winston, Sr., and Vera Sherrod Winston of Tuscumbia, Alabama.David Jr. later became the son of John E. Perkins and Vera S. Perkins who raised him. At an early age, David accepted Christ at First Baptist Church in Tuscumbia, Alabama. After moving to Chicago, Illinois, he unitedwith the Apostolic Church of God and Christ where he served on the audio-visual committee, developing tapes of the current service for distribution immediately thereafter. Upon returning to Tuscumbia, he reunited with First Baptist. When visiting his sister in Talladega, Alabama, he attended Jacobs Chapel C. M. E. Church.An avid “Wild Cat,” he began his early education at Mrs. Doss’ Kindergarten and graduated from Trenholm High School in 1961. While at Trenholm, he participated in several extracurricular activities, including band, the chorus, drama club, and sports. His higher education was received at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois, earning his Bachelor's of Science degree in Social Work. Following his graduation from Roosevelt University, he was employed at McKinnley Social Work Agency and with the Chicago public schools, working with at-risk children. While in Chicago, he enjoyed activities such as socializing with his cousins, Margaret, Jackie, Kim, Diane, and especially Brad, whom he thought of as a son. His favorite activities were bowling, golf, and attending sports events.He married the former Alfreda Grady of Chicago, Illinois, on November 29, 1968. They adopted one daughter, Christiana Ayobami Winston.He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vera Perkins, and one grandson, Christian Loren Mays. He leaves to mourn his passing: many friends and family, both local and in Chicago.He is survived by his family and friends and one special friend and caregiver, Mrs. Julia Newsome of Tuscumbia, Alabama. His surviving family consists of one daughter, Christiana Oyobama (Julain) Scott and their children, Angel Christine Mays, Christopher David Winston Miller, and Skai Marie Scott, all of Gary, Indiana; sister, Peggy W. Dortch of Talladega, Alabama; nephew and close companion, Attorney Clarence (Dr. Floretta) Dortch III of Talladega, Alabama; niece, Attorney Carla M. Dortch of Talladega, Alabama; great-nephew, Attorney Clarence (TuWanda) Dortch IV of Oxford, Alabama; great-niece, Dr. Thayer (Cornelius) Dortch-Truss of Talladega, Alabama; and a host of cousins, great-nephews, great-nieces, other relatives, and friends.